On Windows 11, the WSATools app makes it simple to sideload Android apps on your computer. The app isn’t a Microsoft app, it was created by @Simizfo, and it aims to ease the process of sideloading apps without the need for complicated commands or additional installs, such as the ADB tools.
Although the WSATools app reduces the process to only a few clicks, you still need the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) platform installed and configured (see link below) to make it all work.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to use the WSATools to sideload Android apps on Windows 11 quickly. (See also this video tutorial at the Pureinfotech YouTube channel outlining the steps to complete this task.)
Sideload Android apps easily on Windows 11
The ability to use WSATools to sideload apps still requires a few steps. You first need to install the Windows Subsystem for Android if it’s not already installed. You need to add the WSATools to the computer, and then you need to enable Developer mode in WSA and use the WSATools to install the app.
Step 1: Install WSATools
To install the WSATools on Windows 11, use these steps:
-
-
Click the Get button.
-
Click the Open button.
-
Click the Get button from the Microsoft Store app.
Once you complete the steps, the tool will install, allowing you to sideload virtually any Android app on your Windows computer.
Step 2: Sideload Android apps on Windows 11
To sideload Android apps quickly on Windows 11, use these steps:
-
Open Windows Subsystem for Android.
-
Turn on the Developer mode toggle switch.
-
Click the Manage developer settings option to turn on WSA (if applicable).
-
Open WSATools app.
-
Click the Select an APK button.
-
Click the Install button to add the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tools (if applicable).
-
Select the Android app .apk package to install on Windows 11.
-
Click the Load APK button.
-
Click the Install button.
Once you complete the steps, the Android app will install on Windows 11. If the installation gets stuck, close the WSATools app and try again.
Although you can install virtually any app on Windows 11, those that require Google Services won’t work correctly because the Windows Subsystem for Android does not ship with the Google Play Store services.
If the app doesn’t work, you can still sideload Android apps using the manual approach, downloading tools, and running commands.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.